Customer Reviews

For Writers Only

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is an outstanding source of inspiration and encouragement to writers of any age or at any stage of their writing career. Unlike many 'how to' books I've read, this one does not tell give tips on style, grammar or content. It does provide the reader with the incentive to continue writing and never give up. It makes one realize that we are not alone. Even the greatest of authors has suffered from Writers Block, despair and discouragement. At the age of five I said, "When I grow up, I'm going to be a writer." Well into my teens, I was an avid reader and dabbled in writing every spare moment I had. When it was time for college, I majored in Journalism and was active in writing for the school newspaper. However, as a young adult, I got caught up with 'the real world' and due to lack of inspiration, time constraints, and countless other excuses, I never realized my dream. Finally, in the Autumn of my years my first novel is well underway and I anticipate a completion date by the summer of 2000. Sophy Burnham's book has given me the inspiration to pursue my dream. My highest recommendation to ALL writers regardless of whether they are just beginning their endeavor or are already successful authors.

Not a how-to book but infinitely satisfying, Ms. Burnham deals with the emotional phases that writers share. She punctuates her experiences (written in brief stand-alone paragraphs, suitable to dipping into on any page) with quotes by other writers and artists. Uplifting, encouraging, helpful, I would recommend this book for every writer at any stage in his/her career.

I picked up this book at a time when I had not been writing for quite some time and felt I needed some guidance. This book was a great inspiration! I can open it to any page, read a few lines, and feel completely uplifted about my writing. She really shows the beauty and heartaches of the writing profession. A must for every writer of every kind!

If you could only read one book on writing, this would be the one. A friend gave this book to me several years ago, and I've used it for inspiration more than any other book on writing that I own... and I own a lot of books on writing.

I'm using it in a workshop this weekend and I'll recommend it to the people there, as I recommend it to every person who thinks they want to write.

I have read others books by the author and throughly enjoyed them. However, when it came to this book I was doubtful. I have read so many books about how to write or about writing; they were either boring, dry, or not helpful. This book was not boring or dry and it was extremely helpful. I could not put this book down; I highly recommend this book to any one who is interested in writing.

I picked up this book to browse, not really knowing what to expect. The title seemed like one of those "secrets-of-writing"-type books that offer nothing new.

In reality, I had just inadvertently picked up the most influential book of my writing career.

This isn't a book about HOW to write, such as character development, writing technique or grammar usage, marketing, etc. This book is about the EMOTIONS that writers must deal with, and ways to cope successfully.

For instance, "Virginia Woolf suffered 'acute nervous tension' whenever she neared the end of a novel."

And...

"One friend of mine has been working on her book for nearly fifteen years. She even went to a therapist to learn why finishing it felt like death."

Still yet...

"Many writers, I suppose, are not 'born writers.' They work. On the other hand, what my sister did not understand is the obsession to create. Writers need to write. That's why you panic at the completion of a play or novel. When you aren't writing you aren't certain you exist."

The text is packed with information about famous writers, their habits, their emotions, how they lived--or sometimes died because of NOT coping successfully with the emotional roller-coaster that is a writer's life.

If all my books were lost in a natural disaster, this is the FIRST one I would replace--because it's the only book that truly discusses what living a "writer's life" REALLY means--'the ecstacy and the agony'.

However, unlike the title suggests, "For Writers Only", this book is essential reading for anyone who LOVES a writer, as it explains what the writer is going through emotionally during the various stages of writing.

Not all writers feel these emotions. As Ms. Burhham notes above, some writers just work. But, for those of us who equate writing with breathing, read this book!

I only read these books when I'm procrastinating--like when I have a big lecture to give in a week, and a reading to stage, and a month-long trip to plan for. Because I should be preparing for all the aforementioned things, I picked up For Writers Only.

Judging from the title, I felt as though there would be something exclusive and secretive, some writing practice or technique that would challenge me, maybe even inspire me, as a writer. But, it began with a contradiction [direct quote:]: "For Writers Only isn't only for writers: it applies as much to a carpenter..."

I'm sorry, why did you title it "For Writers Only" then?

This book went on to irritate me to no end (and no, I didn't finish it). It was a bunch of quotes, bookended with the author's dismal interpretations of said quotes. Her basic thesis, as far as I can tell, is that writing is depressing and hard, but we should all do it anyway--even if we're not writers at all. And I still don't know what that has to do with a carpenter, except for maybe the numerous mentions of Jesus and some loose religious connection--but if so it's not a clear argument.

If I ever write a How-To book, it will be the polar opposite. Here's an overview: Writing is easy, revision is tough, titles are important, and there are far too many writers, far too few of them read. The End.

OK--so I'm better at reviewing the ones I like...